Twenty-six years ago today, on December 20, 1999 (November 13, 1999 lunar calendar), the ceremony of the handover of power in Macao between the governments of China and Portugal was grandly held. At midnight on December 20, 1999, the national flag of the People's Republic of China and the regional flag of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China were solemnly raised here to the sound of the majestic "March of the Volunteers". Since then, Macao has returned to the embrace of the motherland, and the Chinese people have taken another important step in completing the great cause of national reunification. In thunderous applause, President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China announced that the Chinese government has resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Macao. From this moment on, Macao's development has entered a new era. From this moment on, the friendship between the Chinese and Portuguese people and the friendly cooperation between the two countries will also move forward at a new starting point. On the night of December 19, the newly built Garden Pavilion of the Macao Cultural Center at the new port of Macao was brightly lit, and the world-renowned transfer ceremony of power in Macao between the governments of China and Portugal was held here. At 23:42, the transfer ceremony of power in Macao began. To the sound of the trumpeter, President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China, Premier Zhu Rongji of the State Council, Vice Premier Qian Qichen of the State Council, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, and Ho Houhua, the first chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, entered the venue and boarded the presidential platform. Portuguese President Sampaio, Prime Minister António Guterres, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Gamma, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic Coisolo, and Governor Wei Qili of Macao simultaneously boarded the presidential platform. Subsequently, the honor guards of China and Portugal held a salute ceremony, and the two sides played tribute music. President Sampaio spoke first. He said that today we are gathered for this ceremony, which is a unique and important moment in the history of Macau. "The final conclusion of the agreement on the status of Macau between the two countries fully reflects the practical attitude of both sides on this issue and the wisdom of solving the problem peacefully. It changes what our two countries need to change in response to the new situation, and at the same time ensures the continuation of the original characteristics of Macau, so that the centuries-old relationship between the two countries has entered a new era." Sampaio said: "While fulfilling the joint statement, the relationship between Portugal and China has been strengthened, making the guarantee of Macao's autonomy clearer. I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to all those who have contributed to its success." At 23:55, the flag-lowering and flag-raising ceremony began, and the flag-bearers of China and Portugal entered the venue. At 23:58, the Portuguese national flag and the flag of the Macao City Hall began to slowly lower during the Portuguese national anthem. At this time, it was only a few seconds before 0:00 on December 20. The atmosphere in the venue was solemn and solemn, and people were quietly waiting for another important moment for the Chinese nation. At midnight, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Military Orchestra played the majestic and passionate national anthem of the People's Republic of China, and the national flag of the People's Republic of China and the flag of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China were raised. 46 seconds later, the two flags were raised to the top of the flagpole at the same time, hunting and fluttering. So far, the Chinese and Portuguese governments have completed the handover of power in Macao. The applause in the hall of the handover ceremony was overwhelming and enduring. Countless cameras and video cameras recorded this historic moment; countless radio waves spread this important news all over the country and all over the world. At 04:00, President Jiang Zemin walked steadily to the podium inlaid with the national emblem of the People's Republic of China to deliver a speech. On behalf of the Chinese government and the people of all ethnic groups in the country, he extended cordial greetings and best wishes to the Macao compatriots who have returned to the embrace of the motherland, and expressed heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed to the solution of the Macao issue and to all those in the world who care about and support the return of Macao. Jiang Zemin said that the Chinese government has successfully resolved the Hong Kong and Macao issues in accordance with the great concept of "one country, two systems" put forward by Deng Xiaoping, which is a major progress made by the Chinese people in completing the great cause of national reunification. The practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong and Macao has and will continue to play an important exemplary role in our final settlement of the Taiwan issue. The Chinese government and people are confident and capable of resolving the Taiwan issue at an early date and realizing China's complete reunification. Jiang Zemin said that after the return of Macao, the Chinese government will unswervingly implement the principles of "one country, two systems", "Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy, and will protect the economic interests of all countries and regions in Macao in accordance with the law. He expressed his firm belief that with the support of the central government and the people of all ethnic groups in the country, the Macao Special Administrative Region government and Macao compatriots will be able to manage, build and develop Macao well. Finally, President Jiang Zemin said in a firm tone: "Returning to Macao embraced by the motherland will surely usher in a better future!" Then, President Jiang Zemin and President Sampaio and other major representatives of China and Portugal walked to the presidency and shook hands and took a group photo. At 0:10, the handover ceremony of Macao's regime ended. About 2,500 people attended the handover ceremony. Among them were representatives of 53 countries and 29 international organizations, consuls general and honorary consuls of more than 40 countries and representatives of international organizations in Macao, as well as some international friendly people. People from all walks of life in Macao, representatives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Taiwan compatriots, and representatives of overseas Chinese and Chinese from more than 30 countries also attended the handover ceremony. More than 3,500 reporters from nearly 300 news media from around the world interviewed and reported on the handover ceremony of Macao's regime. Looking at the South Bay surrounded by the sea from the top of the western looking ocean, the 339-meter-high Macau e-reading tower will be built on the right side of the construction site, ranking eighth in the world. The mast is moving, and business is booming. Located in the City Hall Square, the Macau Tourism Department's famous Macau International Airport opened. Built in 1929, the Postal Department Building, Puji Chanyuan, formerly the Hakuba Hospital, is the first Western hospital in China. In front of Macau's White Eye Pond (circa 1870) In 1900, Macau's Inner Harbour was built in the Ming Dynasty. The Mazuge Grand Sanba Archway has survived three fires and has not been destroyed. It has experienced more than 390 years of wind and rain and has become one of the important symbols of Macao. Bronze statue of Sun Yat-sen in the Mirror Lake Hospital